The London Symphony Orchestra gave its first concert on 9 June 1904 under Hans Richter, principal conductor for seven years. Elgar took over for a year and remained a regular conductor for the next 20 years. After the war the orchestra was led by the likes of Josef Krips, Pierre Monteux, Istvan Kertész, André Previn, Claudio Abbado and Michael Tilson Thomas.Sir Colin Davis has just relinquished his position as principal conductor to Valery Gergiev, although staying as president. With the orchestra in tip-top condition, complete with its budget-priced LSO Live recording label and its education facility at nearby LSO St Luke's, in partnership with UBS, the LSO continues to be a world orchestral leader.

Recently, the London Symphony Orchestra (LSO) had its Far East Tour, here in Malaysia (2-3 May 2007). On 2 May, was an all-Austrian affair, with Mozart's Piano Concerto No 17 in G K453 followed by Mahler's most famous work, the musical journey from dark to light that is his Fifth Symphony.

Later on the 3rd of May, Berg's rapt Violin Concerto - inspired by Mahler's widow's daughter by her second husband Walter Gropius, and dedicated to "the memory of an angel" - is followed by Berlioz's orchestral masterpiece, Symphonie fantastique.

Sounds interesting, eh?

Date(s): 2 - 3 May 2007
Opening Hours: 8.30pm
Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Venue Name: Petronas Philharmonic Hall (Dewan Filharmonik Petronas)
Address: Tower 2, Petronas Twin Tower 50088